12 Innovative Tech Tips to Simplify Your Holiday Season

Did you know that if you flip an Amazon shipping bag inside out, you can pull a strip to reseal it for returns? This little hack can be a lifesaver when a holiday gift arrives and doesn’t match the online description.

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As the holiday season approaches, managing the chaos can be a challenge. However, with a few clever tips and tricks, you can streamline your holiday experience. Let’s dive into some tech-savvy strategies that will help make this busy time of year a little smoother.

**Smart Shopping Strategies**

**Track Your Packages in Real Time**
Worried about your holiday packages arriving late? Gmail has introduced a package tracking feature that provides real-time updates. To enable it, go to your phone’s menu, select Settings, and look for General Settings (Android) or Data Privacy (Apple). Toggle on Package Tracking, and you’ll stay informed about your deliveries.

**Discreet Browsing**
Shopping for a surprise gift? If someone unexpectedly walks in, quickly hide your open browser windows. On a PC, use the shortcut Windows key + M to minimize all windows. For Mac users, press Cmd + Option + H + M. Now you can keep the surprise under wraps!

**Unlock Hidden Discounts with Amazon**
Did you know you can trade in your old tech for Amazon gift cards? Through Amazon’s Trade-in Program, you can send in devices—even those that don’t work—and receive a gift card in return. Plus, if you trade in Amazon devices like a Kindle or Fire TV Stick, you’ll get a fantastic 20% discount on a new, qualifying device.

**Verify Handmade Items on Etsy**
When shopping on Etsy, ensure you’re getting genuine handmade products. If you’re unsure about an item’s authenticity, perform a reverse image search. Simply drag and drop the image into Google Images to see if it appears elsewhere online, indicating mass production.

**Home Technology Tips**

**Capture Perfect Photos**
Blurry holiday photos can be disappointing. To ensure your pictures are sharp, tap the area on your screen where you want clarity, and your phone will adjust the focus accordingly. This simple trick can save your family photos from being ruined!

**Create Collaborative Playlists**
Avoid music disagreements on Christmas morning by creating a family playlist. For Spotify, navigate to Your Library, select your playlist, and tap the three dots to share it. Apple Music users can do the same by going to Library > Playlists and tapping Share Playlist. Get everyone involved in the holiday music choice!

**Lock Down Your Kindle**
If family members are visiting, keep your steamy romance novels private by setting a passcode on your Kindle. Tap the three dots in the upper right corner, go to Settings > Device Options > Device Passcode, and set up a code up to 12 digits long.

**Traveling with Ease**

**Enhanced Airport Travel with Uber**
Flying this holiday season? Uber has introduced three new features to ease your airport trips. UberXXL offers larger cars with extra trunk space, while UberX Share allows you to save 25% by sharing rides with fellow travelers. Finally, with Uber Reserve, you can schedule a car to be waiting for you upon arrival.

**Protect Your Data in Rental Cars**
Before returning a rental car, make sure to wipe your data to prevent the next driver from accessing your texts. Look for the factory reset option in the car’s infotainment system settings, and if you can’t find it, consult the manual or the rental company.

**Find the Best Travel Times**
Planning a trip to Grandma’s house? Use Apple Maps or Google Maps to find the best departure times. In Apple Maps, tap the Now button to pull up a calendar, and in Google Maps, use the three-dot menu to select Leave/Depart at or Arrive by options.

**Track Your Luggage**
Stay updated on your luggage’s journey with your airline’s app. Look for the Track My Bags option in the app menu, enter your reservation or tag number, and receive real-time updates. Alternatively, consider using a luggage tracker like Apple’s AirTags or Tile, which are compatible with various devices.

**Stay Informed with Tech Tips**
Navigating technology doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Award-winning host Kim Komando is your go-to resource for simplifying tech during the holiday season.

With these tips, you can approach the holidays with confidence and ease, making the most of this festive time. Happy holidays!